[cdavant]

Over the last decade or so, I've developed a collection of a couple of dozen AE and Alden shoes. I wear them in a fairly strict rotation, rarely more than twice a month. About every 3 months we have a rainy weekend and I'll clean, condition and polish the lot using AE shoe cream. They look beautiful. And they all stay that way except for a pair of AE Burtons polished to perfection with AE dark brown shoe cream. After two wearings the toes and heels are scuffed, and after a couple of more I'd be embarrassed to wear them outside. Other AEs and Aldens polished using the same cream and conditioner and worn the same way hold up perfectly well. They are not ready for reconditioning.
Any thoughts? I've tried working in polish with a toothbrush and leaving the cream on longer hoping it soak in. Same story

 

[mlenecare]

Is it possible you are less careful when wearing them because they are a more casual shoe?

 

[London380sl]

My guess is there is some sort of film or protective coating on top of the leather that not allowing the cream to adhere to the leather. Did you waterproof the shoes?

 

[CLTesquire]

I had a pair of Aldens once that were sprayed with some type of finish, almost like a lacquer. It made it really difficult to polish. However, I removed the finish with some Saphir Renomat and elbow grease and never had an issue after that.

If you're having that level of difficulty, consider using Renomat to get down to the dyed leather and then polish them up from there.